‘Like a dream:’ Syrian family survives constant danger to chart new path in Nanaimo
NANAIMO — After years on the run, bullet wounds and persistent war, a Syrian refugee is still struggling to believe his new life in Nanaimo is reality.
Abdulhadi Alderwish, 40, his wife and four children just surpassed their one-year anniversary living in Nanaimo after several life-threatening years in Syria.
Through interpreter Ahmad Briz of the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), Alderwish said he came to Canada to create a future for his family.
“(I) want to be providing to the country and return the favour for saving him and bringing him and his family to safety here,” Alderwish said.